Urban Exploration: Pittsburgh

Urban Exploration: Pittsburgh

Rick Stewart / Getty Images

Can't we all just get along? Pittsburgh might be the home of a certain yellow-and-black football team, but that does not mean a trip to the Steel City should be out of the question. Combining history, an emerging music and arts scene and great shopping, Pittsburgh is, dare we say it, not dissimilar to Baltimore. Distance from Baltimore: 247 miles Summer events/activities: The Lawrence Hall Gallery at Point Park University (201 Wood St.; pointpark.edu or 412-392-8008) hosts an exhibition featuring the work of artist and Pittsburgh native Joann K. Falbo called "Life Lives Artfully" through the summer; the One WHIRL Yoga Fest and Healthy Lifestyle Expo at Point State Park (Commonwealth Place; whirlmagazine.com or 412-471-0235; $35 tickets) gives health enthusiasts the chance to try out yoga classes, workshops, demonstrations from health experts and more on July 27; "Disney's The Little Mermaid," the Broadway musical, begins its 12-day run on Tuesday at the Benedum Center (803 Liberty Ave.; pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-2600). Cool Lodging: Close to PNC Park and the downtown cultural district, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (107 6th St.; renaissancepittsburghpa.com or 412-562-15222) offers stunning architecture and artistic flair. Eat here: Looking for no-frills American food? Try Meat & Potatoes -- yes, that's the real name -- for high-quality comfort food (649 Penn Ave.; meatandpotatoespgh.com or 412-325-7007). For a different vibe, go to Waffles INCaffeinated (2517 E. Carson St.) for brunch and more uses for waffles than you can imagine (including a Waffle Gyro). Don't miss: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (pvgp.org) lasts from July 12 to 21 with races through the streets of Schenley Park and the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

Can't we all just get along? Pittsburgh might be the home of a certain yellow-and-black football team, but that does not mean a trip to the Steel City should be out of the question. Combining history, an emerging music and arts scene and great shopping, Pittsburgh is, dare we say it, not dissimilar to Baltimore. Distance from Baltimore: 247 miles Summer events/activities: The Lawrence Hall Gallery at Point Park University (201 Wood St.; pointpark.edu or 412-392-8008) hosts an exhibition featuring the work of artist and Pittsburgh native Joann K. Falbo called "Life Lives Artfully" through the summer; the One WHIRL Yoga Fest and Healthy Lifestyle Expo at Point State Park (Commonwealth Place; whirlmagazine.com or 412-471-0235; $35 tickets) gives health enthusiasts the chance to try out yoga classes, workshops, demonstrations from health experts and more on July 27; "Disney's The Little Mermaid," the Broadway musical, begins its 12-day run on Tuesday at the Benedum Center (803 Liberty Ave.; pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-2600). Cool Lodging: Close to PNC Park and the downtown cultural district, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (107 6th St.; renaissancepittsburghpa.com or 412-562-15222) offers stunning architecture and artistic flair. Eat here: Looking for no-frills American food? Try Meat & Potatoes -- yes, that's the real name -- for high-quality comfort food (649 Penn Ave.; meatandpotatoespgh.com or 412-325-7007). For a different vibe, go to Waffles INCaffeinated (2517 E. Carson St.) for brunch and more uses for waffles than you can imagine (including a Waffle Gyro). Don't miss: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (pvgp.org) lasts from July 12 to 21 with races through the streets of Schenley Park and the Pittsburgh International Race Complex. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)

Can't we all just get along? Pittsburgh might be the home of a certain yellow-and-black football team, but that does not mean a trip to the Steel City should be out of the question. Combining history, an emerging music and arts scene and great shopping, Pittsburgh is, dare we say it, not dissimilar to Baltimore. Distance from Baltimore: 247 miles Summer events/activities: The Lawrence Hall Gallery at Point Park University (201 Wood St.; pointpark.edu or 412-392-8008) hosts an exhibition featuring the work of artist and Pittsburgh native Joann K. Falbo called "Life Lives Artfully" through the summer; the One WHIRL Yoga Fest and Healthy Lifestyle Expo at Point State Park (Commonwealth Place; whirlmagazine.com or 412-471-0235; $35 tickets) gives health enthusiasts the chance to try out yoga classes, workshops, demonstrations from health experts and more on July 27; "Disney's The Little Mermaid," the Broadway musical, begins its 12-day run on Tuesday at the Benedum Center (803 Liberty Ave.; pittsburghclo.org or 412-456-2600). Cool Lodging: Close to PNC Park and the downtown cultural district, the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (107 6th St.; renaissancepittsburghpa.com or 412-562-15222) offers stunning architecture and artistic flair. Eat here: Looking for no-frills American food? Try Meat & Potatoes -- yes, that's the real name -- for high-quality comfort food (649 Penn Ave.; meatandpotatoespgh.com or 412-325-7007). For a different vibe, go to Waffles INCaffeinated (2517 E. Carson St.) for brunch and more uses for waffles than you can imagine (including a Waffle Gyro). Don't miss: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (pvgp.org) lasts from July 12 to 21 with races through the streets of Schenley Park and the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.